MP52-07 EXPRESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CANNABINOID RECEPTORS IN THE HUMAN SEMINAL VESICLES

Abstract

water-filled cage. Shockwaves were delivered by a calibrated probe yielding a controlled energy flux density of 0.09mJ/mm2 attached to a compact electrohydraulic unit with a focused shockwave source (Omnispec ED1000, Medispec Ltd, USA). Following a 4-week wash-out period, erectile function was assessed by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve in anesthetized rats and the effects of Li-ESWT alone or in combination with acute iv sildenafil (0.3mg/kg) were evaluated. Subsequently, ex vivo isometric tension studies were performed on CC from the same rats. RESULTS: Erectile function in GK rats was markedly impaired compared to age-matched Wistar rats and associated with altered endothelium-dependent, -independent and nitrergic mediated relaxations in CC. Either acute sildenafil or Li-ESWT significantly improved erectile responses in GK rats. Ratios of intracavernosal pressure and area under the curve /mean arterial pressure were significantly increased by 18% (p<0.001), 17% (p<0.05) and 32% (p<0.001), 23% (p<0.01), respectively versus untreated GK. This proerectile facilitator effect of Li-ESWT was not associated to improved endothelium-dependent, -independent or nitrergic reactivity of CC. The combination of Li-ESWT with sildenafil significantly potentiated the effect of Li-ESWT alone. CONCLUSIONS: Li-ESWT improves the erectile function of diabetic GK rats. Surprisingly, this effect is not mediated by a NO/ cGMP-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, this study shows additive effects when Li-ESWT is combined with a single dose of sildenafil.